June 2014 Luncheon – Sanjeev Bhagowalia Hawaii CTO

In June, the Hawaii Chapter welcomed Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia, Chief Advisor on Technology and Cybersecurity to the Governor of Hawaii. Mr. Bhagowalia spoke on Hawaii as a key foundation step in establishing Hawaii as a cybersecurity Center of Excellence in the Asia Pacific Region.

For the seventh year in a row AFCEA International recognized the Hawaii Chapter as a Model Chapter of the Year.

Executive of the Month (May) was Epooni Perkins, Director of Sales for National Accounts, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. Her efforts were instrumental in assisting the Chapter’s successful execution of TechNet Asia-Pacific 2013.

Senior Government Leader of the Month in May was Bob Marcial, Chief Spectrum Manager USPACOM J613. He is the recipient of the John J. Lussier Electromagnetic Spectrum Leadership Award in recognition of his superior performance. Bob was instrumental in supporting communications for both Operation Tomodachi and Operation Damayan. He also led efforts to develop “Mercury”, the world’s first multinational online spectrum coordination tool and a standard for spectrum planning in disaster-relief operations by nations in PACOM’s AOR.

AFCEAN of the Month is Jake Ross, Computer Network Defense Section Chief, USPACOM. Jake is co-founder and Director for Cyber Hui, a non-profit organization built on a community of cyber security professionals dedicated to sharing their skills and knowledge with middle, high school, and college students. Cyber Hui actively participates in the Air Force Association CyberPatriot (high school cyber defense competition) by conducting group trainings and finding resources for students to pursue their cybersecurity education and careers. Jake helps students prepare for Cyber Patriot VI by coordinating the Hawaii Cyber Scrimmage, an event open to all Hawaii High Schools that will present them with challenges, such as securing operating systems, information security knowledge, and basic computer/network forensics.

Young AFCEAN of the Month is SrA Jacob Dean, USAF. SrA Dean maintains 67 mission systems and monitors and manages over 8,000 network alerts, allowing the analysis of over 3.3 million unsecured friendly communications. He cleared 13x Classified Message Incidents and led wipes of collection systems totaling over 800 hours. These actions directly denied adversary access to classified information. In his off duty time SrA Dean volunteers with the Hickam Airman Council’s Habitat for Humanity, leading 13 group builds and contributing over 2,250 man-hours back to the community.

Senior Government Leader of the Month is LTC Scot Hodgdon, USARPAC. LTC Hodgdon built the Theater Joint Force Land Component Commander (TJFLCC) Coordination Center from scratch, leading a 13-man team effort to stand up the Center at Ft Shafter and develop the TJFLCC’s Common Operational Picture (COP). He was the driving force behind interoperability and validation exercises. He led the development of the TJFLCC Implementation Order and coordination with all four service components for these efforts. Through this COP and battlespace awareness, he and his team provide continuous advice to Gen Brooks as the JTFLCC, and the PACOM commander on employment of land forces, status of “set” theater conditions, direction for actions of designated forces in the land domain, and monitor all TJFLCC Battle Rhythm events, JTFLCC response options, and forces available.

Congratulations to all of our awardees for their outstanding service and to the Chapter officers and directors for their seven-year streak winning Model Chapter of the Year.

L-R Cory Lindo, President, and Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia, Chief Advisor on Technology and Cybersecurity to the Governor of Hawaii

About AFCEA Hawaii

AFCEA Hawii has been connecting people and great ideas since 1953. We are a local chapter of AFCEA International. Our 800+ local membership is a non-profit organization that has helped members advance information technology, communications and electronics capabilities.

AFCEA Hawaii provides a forum for the ethical exchange of information between our military, government and industry communities to collaborate so that technology and strategy align with the needs of those who serve.